nervous function ch.11 Flashcards
nervous system
- receives and reacts to environmental stimulation o a physiologic and cognitive level
nervous system consist of:
brain
spinal cord
nerves
central nervous system
brain
spinal cord
peripheral nervous system
nerves
understanding nervous conditions
- complex
alternations may result in
- impaired physical mobility
- chronic pain
- impaired social interaction
- altered through process
- incontinence
- risk for injury
- self-care deficit
infectious neurologic disorders
meningitis
traumatic neurologic disorders
brain injuries
spinal cord injuries
increased intracranial pressure
meningitis
inflammation of the meninges and subarachnoid space results in infection
- css may also become affected
meningitis causes
bacteria, virus, tumors, and allergens
- infection or irritant triggers the inflammatory process, leading to swelling of the meninges and increased icp
meningitis risk factors
- younger than 25
- living in a community setting
- pregnancy
- working with animals
- immunodeficiency
two types of meningitis
self limiting
life threatening
meningitis complications
permanent neurologic damage, seizures, hearing loss, blindness, speech difficulties, learning disabilities, behavior problems, parlysis, acute renal failure, adrenal gland failure, cerebral edema, shock, and death
meningitis manifestations
- severe headache***
- stiff neck **
- opisthotonos ***
- abnormal posture= ridigity arch **
- fever, chills, mental status, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, agitation, bulging fontanelle, decreased consciousness, poor feeding, irritability in children, tachypnea, tachycardia, rash
meningitis diagnosis
- history
- physical examination
- throat cultures
- lumbar puncture with css
- polymerase chain reaction test
- head computed tomography
meningitis treatment
antibiotics (if bacterial) corticosteroids antivirals hydration fever management vaccinations
traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- usually caused by sudden and violent blow or just to the head (closed injury) or a penetrating (open injury) head wound that disrupts the normal brain function
traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can
brush the brain
damage nerve fibers
cause hemmorrhaging
traumatic brain injuries (TBI) causes
falls being struct by against an object motor vehicle accidents sports acitvies intestinal self harm
traumatic brain injuries (TBI) conditions associated with closed tbi
concussion: momentary interruption of brain function
- usually results from a mild blow to the head that causes sudden movement of the brain, disrupting neurologic functioning
- may or may not lead to a loss of consciousness
- amnesia, confusion, sleep disturbances, and headaches may occur for weeks or months
cerebral contusion: bruising of the brain
- most often results from a blunt blow that causes the brain to make a sudden impact with the skull
coup: initial area where the brain the skull
contrecoup: opposite side of brain where it rebounds and impacts the skull - varies in severity depending on the extent of damage and the amount of bleeding
- residual effects depend on severity
Glasgow coma scale (Eye opening)
- spontaneous: 4
- to sound: 3
- to pain: 2
- Never: 1
Glasgow coma scale ( motor response)
- obeys commands:6
- localizes pain: 5
- normal flexion: 4 (withdraws)
- abnormal flexion: 3
- extension: 2
- Nil:0
Glasgow coma scale ( verbal response)
- oriented: 5
- confused conversation:4
- inappropriate words: 3
- incomprehensive sounds: 2
- none:1
Glasgow coma scale highest score and lowest score
highest 15
lowest 3
increased intracranial pressure
- increased volume in the cranial cavity
increased intracranial pressure causes
- traumatic brain injury
- tumor
- hydrocephalus
- cerebral edema
- hemorrhage
spina cord injuries
results from direct injury to the spinal cord or indirectly from damage to surrounding bones, tissues, BV